courtesy of Bridget Cicenia; Citizen Bar
When the weather gets nice in this city, you'd better enjoy it. What better way than to get high...at one of Chicago's rooftop bars. Check out these watering holes where the breeze is free and the brew comes with a view.
Chaise Lounge
Even though it feels like South Beach in Wicker Park, don't expect your server to show up shirtless, sporting a hemp puka-shell necklace and linen pants. But do take advantage of its alfresco options: It not only boasts a rooftop patio but a sidewalk one, too. The drink list includes custom libations like the frozen Berry Spike ($7), a mix of Black Cherry Effen Vodka, mixed berries and yogurt. The rooftop, with its white booths and low tables tucked away by white curtains, creates the perfect setting for sipping.
Citizen Bar
Don't bother bringing your passport; everyone can claim citizenship at this River North bar, though the outdoor patios will make you want to take up residency. Enjoy the company of the city and take your glass of wine and three-cheese panini out onto the 2,000 square-foot patio or rooftop deck. Weekday specials, like $5 salads and half-price bottles of wine, sweeten the sight.
NoMI
Less intense than the main space, an upscale French restaurant at the Park Hyatt Chicago hotel, NoMI's rooftop lounge serves lighter, seasonal fare and a variety of NoMI's signature cocktails made with freshly squeezed juices. The 2,000-square-foot garden, with lush landscaping and sweeping city views, sits on the hotel's seventh floor.
Rock Bottom Brewery
Sure it's a chain, but this River North microbrewery's in-the-thick-of-it view of the Chicago skyline solidifies its status as a killer rooftop hangout. The vista's no well-kept secret, though; show up early as it gets crowded quickly. The rooftop has its own bar, making it easy to grab a cold Chicago Gold (pale ale) to cool down on hot days. As expected, the atmosphere and decor feel corporate, but to score refreshing brews and reasonably priced pub grub, you could do worse than hitting Rock Bottom.
Sidetrack
As Chicago's biggest and most popular gay bar, Sidetrack has become a mainstay of the Halsted scene. Indulge in some fun, frozen drinks like the highly popular Ketel One Crush, a grape-flavored tart concoction, on its sleek rooftop deck, which has its own bar and seats 350. If you're looking for a place to meet that special someone or just hang out with friends, add this one to your summer roster.
Pegasus
Get the best view in Greektown on the rooftop patio (open Memorial Day to Labor Day), which accommodates 160 people and boasts a full bar, live music and a spectacular view of the skyline. The al-fresco menu features an extensive selection of tapas-style appetizers and desserts.
SushiSamba Rio
A haven for chic Chicagoans, this clubby sushi bar offers a rooftop lounge perfect for people watching. Enjoy a mojito or one of SushiSamba's many signature drinks like the Lemon Samurai (Stoli Citros vodka, muddled lemon, sugar, apple liqueur, peach and guava juices), but make sure your 'do can stand the elements — you're sure to be the recipient of gratuitous ogling.
Twisted Spoke
It may not feel quite like cruising on a Harley, but visitors to the Twisted Spoke's rooftop patio can catch some rays while their hair blows in the breeze. With picnic tables and umbrellas to accommodate about 60, the casual second-floor patio at this biker-themed hangout is the perfect spot to waste away a beautiful day. The Fat Boy, a big honkin' half-pound burger topped with your choice of cheddar, swiss, grilled onions, bacon and barbecue sauce, holds court as the restaurant's most popular menu item. Bonus: It serves Jim Beam on-tap.
Vines on Clark
Round up the troops post-Cubs game and head on over to this outdoor anomaly: Vines rules as Wrigleyville's only rooftop-dining venue (if you don't count the lucky fans grilling out on their squint-and-you-can-see-the-field roof decks). The patio can also be rented for private parties on non-game days, when Lakeview locals capitalize on the quiet time to enjoy a Honey Weiss or Willy Wonka Martini mixed with light and dark Godiva.
Zed 451
With a sweeping 2,300-square-foot rooftop, this carnivore's paradise has already become a popular hang. With non-stop visits from chefs wielding large skewers of steaks, chicken and fish (for a fixed price), patrons are sure to get their fill while they bask in the sun and sip a seasonal cocktail. A large fireplace, grass, foliage and a copper-roofed clerestory add to roof deck's ambiance.
Bottom Lounge
You're probably here for the music, but don't forget to scope out the rooftop deck before you leave. Located on the second-level, the outdoor locale is an extension of Bottom Lounge's tiki-themed bar, the Volcano Room. Sip a freshly muddled mojito while taking in the cityscape view.
Plymouth Restaurant and Bar
The topper on this three-story Loop landmark is the rooftop bar. Grab a pint and head up for a view of the copper gargoyles on the Harold Washington library and the weathered brick of the Old Colony building. This has quickly become one of the better drinking spots in Chicago.
C-View
The rooftop lounge at Affinia Chicago hotel offers something most hotel bars in the area don't: a killer view of the city's skyline. And just in case you forget where you are, the bar shakes up a cocktail to remind you. This signature "29th floor" tipple is mixed just as elegantly as the lounge's posh crowd. When hunger hits, head downstairs to Affinia's C-House restaurant.
Like to drink outside, but afraid of heights? Check out our roundup of Chicago beer gardens and sidewalk patios.
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